AFC Notes: Vilma, Gronkowski, Manziel, Bills
Joe Philbin and Dennis Allen are among several coaches who have a lot riding on the 2014 season, writes Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today. While the “hot seat” label may be premature, the Dolphins would surely like to see improvement both off-the-field (in the wake of the Jonathan Martin scandal) and on it, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill potentially taking another step forward. The Raiders, meanwhile, used their ample cap space to infuse their roster with veterans, and the team’s leadership obviously hopes Allen can improve upon 2013’s 4-12 record.
More from around the AFC:
- Free agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma reached out to the Dolphins, but Miami was not interested in adding the veteran, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Vilma played only 12 snaps in 2013 following a knee injury.
- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is reportedly “progressing well” following his January surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Herald.
- Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan worked with Robert Griffin III in Washington, and he believes RG3 and new Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel have some common traits, per Jim Corbett of USA Today. “Johnny and Robert are very similar,” said Shanahan. “They’re both talented guys who can make plays with their legs. But there comes a time in the NFL when they’re going to keep you in the pocket, and you’re going to have to have that ability to make the throws with your arm and mind. And Johnny, just like Robert, has that arm talent and intelligence to do that.”
- While Jerry Hughes won’t have a problem finding a role in new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme, fellow pass-rusher Manny Lawson might, writes ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak. Lawson spent most of last season close to the line of scrimmage as a stand-up linebacker, and that position simply doesn’t exist in Schwartz’s defense.
- Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb is happy with the development of 2013 first-round safety Matt Elam, according to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times. “From last year to this year, I see a big jump with his leadership, with him controlling the back end and just being that safety controlling the calls,” said Webb. “I just really like where I see him going.”
- The Broncos’ defensive line is heavy on both depth and competition, writes Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, and improved line play will be essential if Denver hopes to create opportunities for edge rushers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.
PFR Originals: 5/25/14 – 6/1/14
Here’s the original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Our Extension Candidate series rolled along, as Rory Parks examined Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy (link) and Zach Links looked at both Falcons WR Roddy White (link) and Chiefs QB Alex Smith (link). You can find all the Extension Candidate reports here.
- In last week’s polls, Ben Levine asked about likely trade candidates (link) and Peter Sowards wondered who will win the backup quarterback job with the Bears (link).
- David Kipke wrote about the 49ers’ offensive line, and the tough decisions they may to make on players like Alex Boone and Mike Iupati.
- Luke Adams scrutinized the importance of June 1 in the NFL, and why we could see more free agent signings in the coming weeks.
- Luke also explored the largest 2014 cap hits, both on offense and on defense/special teams.
- Rory delved into which free agents could be most impacted by the impending June 1 deadline.
Week In Review: 5/25/14 – 6/1/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Major Move:
- The Seahawks signed receiver Doug Baldwin to a two-year, ~$11MM extension.
Signing:
- Rams – G Davin Joseph (link)
First-Round Pick Signings:
- Ravens – LB C.J. Mosley (link)
- Bills – WR Sammy Watkins (link)
- Packers – S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (link)
- Chargers – CB Jason Verrett (link)
Contract Talks:
- Extension for Falcons WR Roddy White expected by training camp (link)
- 49ers G Alex Boone seeking a new contract (link)
- No progress between Steelers, LB Jason Worilds (link)
- QB Alex Smith, Chiefs not close new deal (link)
- 49ers TE Vernon Davis wants a new contract (link)
Released:
- Bears – S Derrick Martin (link)
- Giants – QB Josh Freeman (link)
Suspended:
- Cardinals LB Daryl Washington: 2014 season, substance abuse (link)
- Giants S Will Hill: six games, substance abuse (link)
Injured:
- Bears WR Domenik Hixon, ACL (link)
Deceased:
- Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer (link)
Other:
- Free agent TE Jermichael Finley receives medical clearance (link)
Follow all the latest news at PFR’s Transaction Page.
Sunday Roundup: AFC North, Broncos, Lions
Let’s have a look at some notes from around the league as we head into the afternoon of this ever-important June 1:
- Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post identifies a few second-year players in the AFC North that might break out in 2014.
- Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times identifies a few free agents the Ravens could target to address their biggest needs, right tackle and cornerback.
- Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes that the Steelers are working hard to reestablish their identity has a running team, and Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette similarly notes that LeGarrette Blount hopes to provide a strong complement to Le’Veon Bell.
- In his weekly mailbag, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com notes that although Browns coaches are excited about the potential of the team’s offensive line, they are reserving judgment until they see how the unit adapts to offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan‘s zone-blocking scheme.
- Mike Klis of the Denver Post notes that the Broncos are currently carrying seven running backs on their roster, none of whom have a regular season start. Klis believes the team should not go after one of the remaining veteran free agents–Felix Jones, Michael Bush, and Ronnie Brown, for instance–to take reps away from Denver’s stable of young-but-intriguing RBs, but he concedes that it will be a tough call.
- In a separate piece, Klis writes that Broncos‘ QB Peyton Manning intends to play out his contract with Denver, which runs through 2016 (Manning will turn 40 in March of that year).
- In two separate pieces, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union discusses how a healthy Roy Miller will impact the Jaguars‘ defense and Gus Bradley’s creation of the “Otto” linebacker, who will replace the traditional “Sam” linebacker and serve as a “physical/athletic/versatile player who will be positioned along the line of scrimmage.” Dekoda Watson will enter the season as the team’s “Otto.”
- Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle writes that second-year wideout DeAndre Hopkins surprisingly became one of the few holdovers from the Texans‘ tumultuous 2013 season, and he is essentially a rookie again in 2014. Smith notes, however, that Hopkins has prepared himself well for the challenge.
- Kevin Meinke of MLive.com writes that Lions‘ defensive end Devin Taylor is an integral component of new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin‘s desire to bring pressure from all three levels of the defense, and, in a similar vein, Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News writes that players believe aggressiveness will be a hallmark of the Lions’ defense in 2014.
Notable Free Agents Impacted By June 1st Date
A number of writers–including ourselves–have published lists of the best free agents available within the past couple of months. However, now that June 1 is finally here, we can expect a number of names to come off of those lists. Our Luke Adams described the importance of June 1 as it pertains to free agency several days ago, but to summarize just one pertinent point from his piece, any free agents signed after June 1 will not impact the signing team’s compensatory pick formula.
As such, there is often a “mini-surge” of free agents signed after June 1, as teams are attaching more and more value to their compensatory picks. However, the important thing to keep in mind is that signing players whose contracts did not expire naturally–in other words, players who were released–does not impact the compensatory pick formula anyway. Those players, then, will not necessarily be impacted by the June 1 date.
As the offseason progresses and as players get injured and coaches reevaluate their rosters, released players like Santonio Holmes, Asante Samuel, James Harrison, Richie Incognito, and Michael Bush may find an opportunity. But teams are not going to pay any more attention to them simply because June 1 has arrived. With that said, here are a few of the top free agents whose contracts expired naturally and who will therefore receive more interest simply because of today’s date:
- Jermichael Finley: Finley recently received full medical clearance to play and had a free agent visit lined up with a “mystery team” on Friday. Given his athletic abilities and the fact that he is in the prime of his career, Finley may find work sooner rather than later despite his injury history. The Patriots make a good deal of sense, considering how thin they are at tight end behind Rob Gronkowski, who of course has major health concerns of his own. Some have speculated that New England is, in fact, the aforementioned “mystery team.”
- Kevin Williams: the long-time Viking still offers value as a run-stopper in the interior of a defensive line, and he visited the Giants and Seahawks this offseason, but he has stated he will consider retirement if he does not get an offer he likes.
- Eric Winston: Winston played very well for the Texans for a number of years, but he was released by the team in 2012, and he was cut by the Chiefs in 2013 after just one season in Kansas City. He did not impress after signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals last season, but he may still find a team that will give him a chance to start. The Ravens have been mentioned as a natural fit because of their lack of experience at right tackle and Winston’s familiarity with Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak.
- Terrell Thomas: Thomas played fairly well in 2013 after back-to-back torn ACLs, and he recently visited with the Lions and Patriots. Teams looking for a third corner could do much worse. Other veteran cornerbacks who teams might also look to include Drayton Florence and Quentin Jammer.
- Brett Keisel: Kesiel’s age (he will turn 36 in September) and recent struggles with injuries limit his market, but he did post four sacks and fair PFF grades last season. He could certainly offer veteran leadership and some pass rush capabilities to someone’s defensive line. Although Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not rule out a reunion with Keisel, it is unclear if other members of the Steelers brass are interested in Keisel’s return.
AFC East Notes: Jets’ QBs, Pats’ TEs, Woods
As our Zach Links wrote several days ago, Jets‘ offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg has tilted the team’s quarterback competition in favor of second-year man Geno Smith, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com wonders if that is a good idea. Cimini writes that there are benefits and drawbacks to both Smith and Michael Vick, so a truly open competition would eliminate any confusion and would also create a “best-man-wins scenario.”
Let’s take a quick look around the rest of the AFC East:
- In the same piece, Cimini writes that although Jets‘ right guard Willie Colon is expected to be fully healthy by training camp, his injury has revealed the glaring lack of experienced depth along the team’s offensive line, which Cimini believes should be addressed with a veteran acquisition or two.
- Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com writes that, since we have reached that magical June 1 date, the Patriots are in a good position to add quality depth to their tight end group by signing a player like Dustin Keller or Jermichael Finley.
- In a separate piece, Reiss empties out his notebook from the Patriots‘ first week of OTAs.
- The Bills primarily utilized the unique route-running ability of departed wide receiver Stevie Johnson out of the slot last season, and head coach Doug Marrone believes Robert Woods can excel in that role, writes Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News.
- Much like Philadelphia’s Chip Kelly, new Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor utilizes a system that focuses on tempo, and James Walker of ESPN.com examines the budding relationship between Lazor and third-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Lazor’s expectations for his young signal-caller.
- In a separate piece, Walker wonders if Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace is ready to break out in 2014.
NFC East Notes: Hitchens, Robinson, Grimble
The Cowboys have signed fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker out of Iowa has already been more heavily scrutinized than many fourth-rounders, as he has been running with Dallas’ first-team defense since Sean Lee tore his ACL. Hitchens did note just a few days ago that he may not be ready to immediately fill the void created by Lee’s injury, but he is at least getting an early chance to show what he can do.
Now for some more notes around the NFC East:
- Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com compiles five takeaways from the Redskins‘ first week of OTAs, including his belief that Keenan Robinson has the best chance to fill the hole at inside linebacker left by London Fletcher and his observation that Leonard Hankerson appears destined for the PUP list.
- A number of Eagles notes this morning. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer previews the battle for backup quarterback between Matt Barkley and Mark Sanchez, and Zack Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer examines what the team saw in new safety Malcolm Jenkins.
- Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com looks at how Brandon Graham, entering his contract year, fits in the Eagles‘ defense and Graham offers his thoughts on the earlier rumors that he might be traded: “if that was something that they wanted to do, I would have been gone,” Graham said. Meanwhile, Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com looks at the role that rookie Marcus Smith will play in the team’s defensive unit.
- Paul Schartz of the New York Post writes that the Giants have high hopes for undrafted TE Xavier Grimble, who was considered the top tight end prospect in the country when he was recruited out of high school.